The severity of Chris Smalling and Luke Shaw's injuries has been revealed

After his Manchester United side breezed past Swansea on Sunday, you’d think that Jose Mourinho would be full of praise for his players.

While he was no doubt pleased with those that took to the field at the Liberty Stadium during the 3-1 win, Mourinho publicly criticised two players that didn’t play.

The Portuguese boss singled out Chris Smalling and Luke Shaw for their decision to withdraw from the match due to injury niggles.

After the win, Mourinho said: “Smalling doesn't feel that he can play 100% with his pain. Shaw told me this morning that he was not able to play."

"For the team, you have to do anything.

"There is a difference between the brave, who want to play at any cost, and the ones for whom a little pain can make a difference.

"If I were to speak with the many great football people of this team, they will say they played many times without being 100%.

"We have players on the pitch with problems. In every sport, how many times do you play and you're not 100%?”

It was certainly surprising to hear the United boss clearly blame two of his players for pulling out of the clash with Swansea.

However, it seems that Mourinho is going to feel pretty awkward about his rant. That’s because, according to the Telegraph, both Smalling and Shaw have been playing this season under the aid of painkillers.

The two defenders have made themselves available for the majority of the campaign by taking pain-killing injections before matches.

If the Telegraph’s report is true, then Mourinho’s backlash won’t go down well with the two players.

Mourinho previously praised Smalling for playing through the pain barrier against Chelsea - a match where the England international had a nightmare as United lost 4-0.

"He was phenomenal to play against Chelsea with such a difficult physical situation for him. He couldn't do it two days later against [Manchester] City. There was no chance,” he said.

As far as Shaw is concerned, the left-back is still searching for full fitness after his horrific broken leg last season. The former Southampton player has already admitted he occasionally feels some pain in the affected area and is understandably cautious about doing more damage.

According to reports, he has been left 'baffled' by Mourinho's latest criticism as their relationship takes another blow.

Report author of article

DISCLAIMER

This article has been written by a member of the GiveMeSport Writing Academy and does not represent the views of
GiveMeSport.com or SportsNewMedia. The views and opinions expressed are solely that of the author credited at the top of this article.
GiveMeSport.com and SportsNewMedia do not take any responsibility for the content of its contributors.

Want more content like this?

Like our GiveMeSport Facebook Page and you will get this directly to you.